Whakapau ariki – Patuone and Nene

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The brothers Patuone and Nene were both chiefs of Ngāti Hao. Through their father Tapua, a leader and tohunga, their lineage connected them to many of the major chiefs of Hokianga, Whangaroa, the Bay of Islands and other places. Because of their authority in the Hokianga they had influence with Māori and Pākehā, providing protection to the missionaries, settlers and traders, and working to maintain peace.

Patuone and Nene signed the Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand in 1835 and the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Their mana was instrumental in influencing the Ngā Puhi chiefs' acceptance of the Treaty. After the signing Patuone presented Hobson with a greenstone mere for Queen Victoria.

Both brothers adopted Christianity. Nene was baptised by the Wesleyans in 1839, taking the name Tāmati Wāka. Henry Williams baptised Patuone with the names Eruera Maihi in 1840, according to Church of England rites.

Patuone and Nene were regarded by the government and early settlers as ‘friendly Māori’ or ‘friends of the government’. Nene was rewarded for his support with a cottage at Russell and an annuity of £100. When Sir George Grey was knighted in 1848, he chose Nene as one of his esquires. When Grey returned for a second term as Governor in the 1860s he brought Nene a silver goblet as a gift from the Queen, inscribed ‘From Victoria to her faithful subject Na Tamati Waka Nene.’ Nene died 4 August 1871 and was buried in Russell.

Patuone spent his last two decades in Takapuna and Devonport. He died 19 September 1872 and was buried in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Devonport.

Judith Waaka